How to Download and Print E-Ticket from IRCTC

Having a printed copy of your e-ticket is smart — your phone could die, the IRCTC app could crash, or the TTE might prefer seeing a physical printout. Here's how to download and print your e-ticket from IRCTC.

Method 1: From IRCTC Website

1. Go to irctc.co.in and log in
2. Click on "My Transactions" in the top menu
3. Select "Booked Ticket History"
4. Find your booking (search by PNR or browse by date)
5. Click on the "Print E-Ticket" or "Download" button
6. The ticket opens in a new window as a PDF
7. Click Print (Ctrl+P on keyboard) or save as PDF
8. Print on any regular A4 paper — black and white is fine

The e-ticket printout includes: PNR number, train details, passenger names, class, chart status, and journey details. Everything the TTE needs to verify.

Method 2: From IRCTC Rail Connect App

1. Open the app and log in
2. Go to "My Bookings" or "Booked Ticket History"
3. Tap on the ticket you want
4. Look for the "Download" or "Share" option
5. Save the PDF to your phone
6. Share it to a printer via Bluetooth, email, or WhatsApp

If you don't have a printer at home, email the PDF to yourself and print it at any cybercafe or office printer.

Method 3: From Email

1. Search your email for the IRCTC booking confirmation
2. The email contains ticket details and often an attached PDF
3. Open the attachment
4. Print directly or forward to a printer-connected device

IRCTC sends the e-ticket to your registered email address. If you can't find it, check Spam/Junk folders.

Method 4: From SMS

The booking confirmation SMS has your PNR number. While you can't print the SMS as a ticket, you can use the PNR to look up and download the full e-ticket from the IRCTC website.

What the Printout Should Show

A valid e-ticket printout includes:

• PNR Number (10 digits)


• Train Number and Name


• Date of Journey


• Class (SL, 3A, 2A, etc.)


• From and To Stations


• Passenger Names with ages


• Booking Status and Current Status (after chart preparation: coach and berth numbers)


• Transaction ID

Do You Have to Print It?

No, printing is not mandatory. You can show the e-ticket on your phone to the TTE. But printing has advantages:

• No battery anxiety


• Faster to show (no app loading time)


• Works even in no-network areas


• Some TTEs prefer physical copies

Many experienced travelers carry both — the phone version for convenience and a printout as backup.

Black and White vs Color

Black and white printing is perfectly acceptable. The TTE needs to see the text — PNR, names, train number. Color isn't required. Save your color ink for something else.

Printing After Chart Preparation

After chart preparation, your e-ticket is updated with:

• Final coach number (e.g., B3)


• Final berth number (e.g., 45)


• Final status (CNF, RAC, or CAN)

If you printed the ticket before chart preparation, the coach and berth numbers won't be on it. You can:

1. Print again after chart preparation for the updated version


2. Check the chart at the coach door on the platform


3. Check on your phone via IRCTC or indianrail.app

The TTE has the final chart regardless, so an older printout works — they'll match your PNR against their chart.

Quick Checklist Before Travel

• [ ] PNR noted somewhere accessible
• [ ] E-ticket downloaded/printed
• [ ] Valid ID proof in your bag
• [ ] Phone charged (backup if showing digital ticket)
• [ ] Check PNR status after chart preparation for final berth assignment

A two-minute download and print can save you from scrambling at the station. Do it the night before your journey.